North Carolina Azalea Festival

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.

The North Carolina Azalea Festival welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually, and newcomers will find that there’s a ton of events going on during the multiple-day celebration. The annual parade is easily a highlight of the annual festival, as is the numerous nationally known artists and musicians who take center stage at massive concerts in the heart of the downtown area. Many local businesses and landmarks offer specialty-themed tours or other outings during the festival, and there’s also a fair that features hundreds of vendors with local crafts and artworks, food, games, and other wares. Fun for the whole family, the North Carolina Azalea Festival lives up to its reputation as the biggest event of the year.